When it comes to motorcycle gear and biker apparel, leather has always been king. It’s not just about style—though the look of a perfectly broken-in leather jacket is hard to beat. The real reason leather is the go-to material for motorcycle jackets, chaps, gloves, saddlebags, and custom seats is that it provides unmatched durability, comfort, and protection on the open road.
Not all leathers are created equal
Different hides have unique strengths, textures, and applications, which making them better suited for specific motorcycle apparel and accessories. Some leathers are made to stand the test of time like a vintage Harley Davidson. Some leathers are designed to be worn skin-tight and hug curves like a Moto Guzzi. Some leathers are designed for easy wear and lasting comfort like a Honda Goldwing. Some are built for eye-catching performance like a Kawasaki Ninja. Just like there's not one type of motorcycle that does it all, there's not just one leather that's perfect for every moto application.
Choosing the right leather for moto apparel and accessories is all about choosing the leather that's right for you and your project. If you’re a manufacturer, small business, or crafter looking to source the best leather for motorcycle gear, understanding the differences between leather types is the first step to creating quality moto gear that riders will trust for years to come.
The best types of leather for your moto project
From long-wearing staples like cow and calfskin, to the comfort of goat nappa and lamb nappa, to the warmth of shearling, to the striking visuals of distressed and embossed leathers, there's a different leather for every need.
Now let’s break down the best types of leather for motorcycle gear—from jackets to saddlebags—and highlight some of the premium options available from our Chaps and Motorcycle Leather collection.
Cowhide Leather: The Industry Standard for Durability
Cowhide is the workhorse of the leather world. Thick, rugged, and naturally abrasion-resistant, cow leather is built to last. That’s why cowhide is the material of choice for motorcycle jackets, leather chaps, boots, saddlebags, and belts. It can handle the wear and tear of long rides, exposure to the elements, and years of heavy use.
Cowhide is best for: “Forever” items like saddlebags, belts, motorcycle boots, and chaps.
Best Cowhide for motorcycle apparel: Reversible Moto Chap Cow Nappa is a versatile leather that's soft enough for jackets and chaps, but sturdy enough for bags. Its reversible feature gives makers and manufacturers more design flexibility while reducing waste.
Calfskin Leather: Soft Luxury with Strength
While cowhide offers ruggedness, calfskin leatheris smoother, finer-grained, and more supple. It has a natural sheen that makes it a favorite for luxury biker jackets, moto-inspired handbags, and accessories. Calf is often used when manufacturers want the durability of cowhide but with a more refined, fashionable finish.
Best For: Women’s motorcycle jackets, high-end moto fashion, luxury accessories.
Best Calfskin for moto applications: Pebble Grain Calfskin is soft to the touch, but with a structured, medium temper that's perfectly suited for biker-inspired apparel with a semi-matte finish.
Goatskin Leather: Lightweight Strength
Goat leather has long been prized for its toughness and flexibility. It’s lighter than cowhide but still extremely durable, which makes it perfect for motorcycle gloves, riding jackets, and protective gear. Nappa goatskin, in particular, combines strength with an incredibly soft hand-feel, appealing to both performance gear makers and fashion-forward designers.
Best For: Gloves, riding jackets, small bags.
Recommended Product: Drum Dyed Goat Leather (USA-Tanned) is a soft, pliable, and USA-tanned goatskin, making it a great choice for American manufacturers who want to remain true to the “Made in USA” label.
Shearling Leather: Built for Warmth and Comfort
Sheepskin shearling, with its natural wool lining, is the go-to leather for insulated bomber jackets, winter motorcycle boots, and custom seat covers. Not only is shearling warm, but it’s also moisture-wicking and antibacterial, making it an excellent material for long-haul comfort. Riders love it for vintage restorations and custom motorcycle builds.
Best For: Bomber jackets, patrol boots, motorcycle seat covers.
Best shearling for motorcycle seats: Premium Bark-Tanned Sheepskin Shearling is a top-tier shearling. Bark-tanned to preserve the natural qualities that make shearling a biker favorite, this shearling is perfect for custom seats on legacy rides like Harleys, Indians, and Royal Enfields.
Best shearling for insulated apparel: Super Lightweight Curly Merino Shearling has tight curls that capture heat without adding a lot of bulkiness to your piece. With a nappa matched back, Curly Merino Shearling is a favorite for bomber jackets, boot linings, leather vests, and padded chaps.
Deerskin Leather: Soft and Vibration-Resistant
For gloves, nothing beats deerskin leather. It’s naturally soft, breathable, and has an elastic quality that makes it extremely comfortable. Most importantly, deerskin absorbs vibration, reducing hand fatigue on long rides. That’s why it’s a staple for motorcycle gloves and sometimes used in jackets and chaps.
Best For: Motorcycle gloves, boots and footwear, and motorcycle chaps.
Recommended Product: Traditional Moccasin Deerskin – Available in 17 colors, this slightly thicker deerskin is versatile enough for gloves, jackets, and even boots.
Distressed Leather: The Rebel Look
For those who ride for both function and fashion, distressed leather delivers that broken-in, weathered, road-worn look right from the start. It’s a popular choice for moto-inspired apparel like vests, skirts, pants, and accessories. Distressed leather combines toughness with a style that screams attitude.
Best For: Moto fashion apparel and accessories.
Best distressed leather for Motorcycle applications: Distressed Vintage Drum Dyed Cow has a distinctive distressed appearance, but this premium cowhide is highly scratch-resistant, allowing it to maintain its character even after years of regular use.
Specialty Leathers for Motorcycle Gear
At LeatherSkins, we also offer specialty leathers tailored to motorcycle gear and accessories:
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Artisan Cow Latigo Leather: Infused with waxes and tallows for extreme durability, Latigo leather is virtually indestructible (which is why it's main use if for equestrian latigos). Our Artisan Latigo is ideal for saddlebags, belts, and heavy-duty straps.
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Glove Affair Cow Leather: Soft, supple, and water-resistant, Glove Affair is the perfect leather for items that get exposed to the elements, like motorcycle seats, tool rolls, and handlebar bags.
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Drum Dyed Lamb Nappa: Our Lamb Nappa is the gold standard in fashion leathers, with 90+ colors available. Perfect for jackets, skirts, pants, and unlined apparel that riders will love wearing on and off the bike.
- Floral Embossed Cow Leather: Want that hand-tooled leather seat look, without the hand-tooled price tag? Floral Embossed Leather is imprinted with a classic Sheridan style pattern that's commonly found on traditional saddlery, but has recently found its way onto very expensive custom motorcycle seats.
Motorcycle Leathers for Manufacturers and Large Production Runs
Selecting the right leather comes down to the intended use. For rugged gear like saddlebags and belts, choose durable leathers like cowhide or latigo. For gloves and apparel that need flexibility, goatskin or deerskin is ideal. For luxury moto-inspired pieces, calfskin or lamb nappa provide a stylish, high-end feel. And for winter or vintage projects, shearling offers unmatched comfort and authenticity.
At LeatherSkins.com, we supply manufacturers, designers, and crafters with premium hides sourced from the world’s best tanneries—right here in the heart of NYC’s leather district. Whether you’re gearing up for a large production run or looking for unique hides for custom builds, our leathers are trusted by makers who demand quality, durability, and style
The Best Selection of Motorcycle Leather for Every Application
Motorcycle gear isn’t just apparel—it’s protection, identity, and lifestyle. By choosing the right type of leather, you can create products that bikers not only trust but also wear with pride. From jackets to saddlebags, gloves to seat covers, LeatherSkins.com has the wholesale leather you need to bring your vision to life.
